11 November 2020, Anno Domini
For God and the soldier we adore, In time of danger, not before!
The danger passed, and all thing righted, God is forgotten and the soldier slighted.
- Rudyard Kipling
Mr. Kipling’s observance is prophetic and pitiful. How could a nation forget the valor and sacrifice made in time, resources, and even blood, of our men and women in the profession of arms? Yet, it is a recurring episode in the history of all nations. Young men and women have left the comforts of hearth and home to go onto the cold, or insufferably hot, battlefields of far-flung wars to protect the honor, freedom and integrity of the United States against enemies who are ungodly and respect only the god of power. Should not a grateful nation forever remember such sacrifices made on its behalf? Consider the quote of Rudyard Kipling – that quote covers both God and soldier that we forget in times of peace or plenty.
There have even been times when that enemy raised its ugly head from among our own people. But it has ever been the duty and oath of the soldier to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” The combat soldier is God’s minister to preserve peace and to protect the rights and privileges of a free people. In so doing, he is willing to forfeit his own life in the undertaking. Thankfully, that full sacrifice is not always required.
The legacy of the American soldier began on the distant plains of Lexington and before Concord Township when an unorganized and rabble army of farmer-soldiers faced the most advanced Army any European power could field. Then came Bunker Hill at which more than a thousand enemy soldiers were casualties of that rag-tag army who lost less than half that number.
There is one great Soldier who knew the consequences of His service for us – our Lord Jesus Christ. He did so knowing the cruel death He would suffer on our behalf. Have we forgotten that as well? Have we incorporated our faith into our duties as citizens to elect men and women to political office whose views reflect an appreciation for our faith? If not, we will suffer the same fate as Tyre, Sidon, Sodom, and Gomorrah.
CONCORD HYMN
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sung at the Completion of the Battle Monument, 4 July 1837
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Remember those “Stones of Remembrance” which have been erected to the memory of our gallant defenders. Never allow the escutcheon of the United States to suffer the smearing scourge of those who would erase the memory of our heroes and our great institutions.
God bless our great American Republic and those valiant veterans who have borne the brunt of battle in her defense.
Jerry L. Ogles
Presiding Bishop
United States of America
Anglican Orthodox Communion Worldwide
Let us pray,
For the Armed Services. BCP 41
O |
LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coastguardsmen and contractors of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A |
LMIGHTY God, we give you thanks for those who answered our country’s call, who rode towards the sound of gunfire and did not cower. We give you thanks for those who are with us today and for those who are with you for ever more. Lord, we give you thanks for the sacrifice made on our behalf by them and their families. Lord we ask that you give us warriors who will follow your way on behalf of our country, all of which we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
